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Going to the dentist's office can be one of the scariest things your kids experience, especially if it's their first time. You know kids are going to have a hard time when most adults try to avoid it! So, what is the trick to making a trip to the dentist a little less scary? Make it fun, of course! The trick to getting kids to do things that are unpleasant at first glance is to turn it into a game! Of course, the dentist you choose will have a lot to do with how eager your children are to go and what kind of experience they have while they're there, so be sure to choose a great kids DDS in Lone Tree, CO. Dentist for a Day One of the first things you should consider doing before taking your child to the dentist is to prep them for what is coming. One great way to do this is with a little role play. You can take turns playing dentist and patient. This is a fun game for everyone and helps your children understand what they can expect. It usually works best if you are the dentist first. Be sure to have them open their mouths and then really get in there. It might even be a good idea to stick utensils in their mouths and give them an "exam." Of course, fair is fair, so be ready for them to do it to you! Use Multi-Media Resources Another great idea is to find some videos that talk about going to the dentist. As you might guess, there are several kid-friendly dentist videos on YouTube, and checking them out can be a fun family activity that gets your kids excited about a trip to the dentist. If that wasn't cool enough, you can always watch something like "Elmo Goes to the Dentist" or other educational children's programs that focus on the dentist. Kids enjoy these shows, relate to the characters, and often have their fears assuaged when they see that even their furry friends have to go to the dentist. Be Selective with Information The third most important thing you can do is be vague but honest. Children don't need details. Children need to know where they are going and a general idea of what will happen when they get there. Don't go into the "what ifs" and don't try to explain what a cavity is, what a filling is, or exactly how the dentist is going to clean their teeth. Stick to the basics. Also, be sure you don't make promises you can't keep. Despite your best efforts, the dentist's office may still be scary. If you promise your child it won't be, you may end up losing a little bit of trust. Instead, promise that you'll be there the entire time. A Rare Breed Perhaps the most important thing you can do to make a visit to the dentist less scary for your child is to pick the right dentist. Did you know only 5% of dentists are actually certified pediatric dentists? The rest of them, even those that say they treat kids, lack 2 to 3 years of extra training that certified pediatric dentists have. Once you've gone to a real pediatric dentist, you'll never go to a "family dentist" again! True pediatric dentists are trained to meet both the physical and emotional needs of the child. This pays off when it comes to dealing with children that may have severe anxiety. In most cases, a kids DDS in Lone Tree, CO, will have an office that is designed to interest a child and may include TVs, toys, and children's books.
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